The Runco DTV-991 projector incorporates three 8" liquid-cooled CRT
tubes for a super bright, high-resolution picture. The companion
SC-4200, video processor, contains both a line quadrupler and a line
doubler. Together this dynamic duo projects extraordinary video images
with any type of source material.

Taking a drive down to Genesis Audio Video in Lake Forest, California
(just south of Irvine) I was treated to a demonstration of the Runco
combination in Genesis' new home theater room. Featuring Snell's THX
speaker system, the room was powered by Proceed amplifiers and
accompanied by the Proceed PAV preamp and DSD digital processor
incorporating both Dolby Digital and DTS decoders.

The Runco DTV-991
Due to its 75 kHz horizontal scanning
capability, the DTV-991 handles any video media including the newly
adopted High Definition format and PC graphics. Several different
aspect ratios and temperature settings can be programmed into its 100
memory locations. At Genesis Audio Video, they calibrated convergence
for three different aspect ratios; 1.33:1, 1:85.1 and 1.78:1 Anamorphic
(common to DVD and HDTV). Each was placed in memory for use with either
the line doubler or the line quadrupler. These six separate settings
(one pair for each aspect ratio) were smartly assigned to a single page
of a Crestron touch screen remote control system.

The ability to color correct all three color tubes (red, green and
blue) with the Runco DTV-991's proprietary AccuChroma color filter
makes it possible for a qualified technician to achieve a perfect color
balance. The DTV-991's Contrast Modulation adjusts the contrast level
at different points to obtain a uniform white level across the entire
screen. All calibrations require a qualified technician with the proper
equipment, tools and most importantly, certification.

While the stated literature says the DTV-991 has an adjustable picture
size from 60 to 300 inches (based on 4:3 aspect ratio), the factory
doesn't recommend going beyond 100 inches. You'll end up overdriving
the projector trying to get enough light on such a large screen.
Additionally, the picture itself starts to suffer. The color tubes will
burn out quicker and you risk the possibility of burning phosphors,
which ruins color fidelity.

The DTV-991 provides RGB,
composite and S-Video inputs. It does come with its own remote control,
however most of the DTV-991's functions will likely be programmed into
your touch screen remote system for superior integration and complete
system control.

The SC-4200 Video Processor
Once you decide to move to this level of video performance, it's
necessary to compliment the projector with a video processor. In this
case, the processor is the Runco SC-4200, born out of a joint venture
between Runco and Faroudja Labs. It contains both a line quadrupler
(1050 lines per progressive scan) and a line doubler (525 lines per
progressive scan).

Why do you need a doubler and a quadrupler in the same video system?
Some sources, such as Laserdiscs and DSS programming benefit from the
quadrupler while DVD sources tend to look much sharper with increased
detail with only a line doubler inserted in the signal. This is why
Genesis Audio Video calibrated each aspect ratio for use with either
process.

The Viewing TestFor
my evaluation, I started out with Jurassic Park (Universal) using my
promotional DTS-encoded DVD because it is such an extraordinary video
transfer. When T-Rex feeds on the goat, then turns his head toward the
car, it is so sharp you can see the droplets of water from the rain
glistening off his nose. Moreover, shadow detail isn't lost in high
contrast scenes. Skin tones are superb, revealing extreme details in
facial features with a glass-like smoothness to the skin. Depth of
field and resolution were astounding.

The Fifth Element
(Columbia, Dolby Digital, DVD), is a movie intentionally shot with
deep, super rich colors and is the perfect demo to show off the
exceptional color accuracy of the DTV-991. On a projector this good, it
becomes apparent that this movie is one of the better transfers to DVD,
with substantial resolution, color saturation and remarkable depth of
field.

During this demo, it became obvious that not all DVD's are created
equal. The transfer can vary from one disc to the next, translating
into less than a perfect picture. After the remarkable and stunning
results from the previous DVD samples, The River Wild DVD (Universal)
was a serious let down. Colors were pale, edges were over enhanced,
facial details were soft, and depth of field was almost non-existent.
This poor quality, however, was the result of a badly transferred DVD,
not the projector as I received similar results on my reference video
system at home with the same DVD.

The last sample used was the DTS-encoded Laserdisc of Casper
(Universal). This may not be your favorite movie, nor is it mine, but
it is one of the best transfers to Laserdisc available. However, even
quadrupled, details in facial features were less distinct and skin
tones, while excellent, didn't seem to radiate as they did on DVD.
Color saturation was even and accurate, yet, noticeably flatter. Now
this isn't to say there wasn't good depth of field. Actually, depth of
field was very good, but it just didn't pop as magnificently as the
DVD's we played earlier. Some blooming in super bright reds and yellows
was mildly apparent, but if I had any qualms about DVD (in general)
being a superior format to Laserdisc, all lingering doubts were
eliminated during this demonstration.

The Runco DTV-991 and SC-4200 combo is a winner. Once properly
calibrated for all the various media you will be using, this system
will function seamlessly and flawlessly no matter what you view.
However, like a good quality stereo system, a high quality video system
will reveal even the most minute flaws of your video software.

The Downside
The high cost of the Runco DTV-991 and SC 4200 ($50,000 USD) is the
most obvious downside to this truly high-end projector system. Super
high performance video systems like the Runco DTV-991 and SC-4200 are
not normally bought off the showroom floor and installed by
do-it-yourselfer. A system of this magnitude absolutely must be
installed by a properly qualified and Runco trained video technician,
who could charge up to $400 to $750 a day. It is unlikely that the unit
will require any major repairs for many years, like a tube replacement,
but you may want to have your Runco specialist stop by once or twice a
year, before your Super Bowl or Academy Awards party to professionally
tune up your picture to ensure you receive 100 percent of the
performance you invested in.

Conclusion
The Runco DTV-991 and SC-4200 combination MUST be on your short list of
video systems whether your you have the budget to invest in it or not.
An audition could be an almost `religious experience' for you. Rich
colors, accurate skin tones, great depth of field, dark black tones...
this Runco system does it all. At $50,000 it is a value for those who
have or are designing a system that is priced near the lofty $100,000
plateau.

There are a few solutions that are more high end then the
DTV-991/SC-4200 combo, for example: the Runco's top-of-the line 9 inch
CRT, DTV-1000 ($48,000) and the Vidikron Vision One/Faroudja VP-400A
combo ($75,000). These big gun video systems are capable of
state-of-the-art video reproduction on even larger screens, yet even in
most big dollar home theaters the Runco DTV-991 and SC-4200 package is
going to make no excuses for its performance on screens 100 inches in
diameter and smaller. Yes, $50,000 is a serious investment for a video
playback no matter how many millions you have in the bank, but make no
mistake the Runco DTV-991 and SC-4200 system is capable of transporting
you to other worlds in a way that makes you believe your actually
there. Forget the cineplex for a Friday night date, fire up your Runco
and take a trip to "The Rock," "Jurassic Park" or wherever else your
imagination may take you.